Whether you’re a homeowner or in business, you may require a file storage box at some point. Knowing where to start so you get the best deal, however, is a challenge all on its own.

What material should you choose? What style? What size? File storage boxes tend to vary from one manufacturer to the next. You can choose from plastic, cardboard, and steel, and some that have locks, latches, and handles as well.

Below, we have nine options for you to look at, as well as a range of considerations for helping you to choose the best file storage box for your needs. Factor in your privacy and how long you need to store the files to ensure you make the right purchasing decision.

9. Internet’s Best Collapsible File Storage Organizer

If you work in an office or office-like environment, then you will require a file storage box at some stage. However, as most people will be aware, they aren’t the most attractive office addition.

Instead, they can look out of place, not at all stylish, and be an eyesore in some environments as well. You can get around this and even utilize your file storage box as a décor option by purchasing this one from Internet’s Best.

While they function as a regular file storage box does, they offer so much more. Rather than feature cardboard which deteriorates over time, these boxes feature robust MDF with linen fabric.

They are more substantial than a regular box which can be a problem, but they add a contemporary touch of elegance to any space. What’s more, you can use them for any letter or legal-sized files.

You can also collapse these boxes down when you don’t need to use them, stack them up to as high as you want, and carry them around with the included carry handles. What’s more, at their 15 x 10 x 12-inch size, they are more than easy to transport from A to B.

Sealing the deal is the contemporary elegance on offer, sleek grey, and charcoal fabric options, and convenience at being able to buy up to four at a time. You will enjoy everything this file storage box from Internet’s Best has to offer.

FEATURES

One, two, or four-pack options

Grey or charcoal color options

Linen fabric

MDF board construction

Collapsible

Suitable for letter and legal-sized files

Portable

Stackable

Carry handles

15 x 12 x 10 inches – internal

PROS

Sleek and contemporary design

Ties in beautifully with modern décor

Durable MDF to last longer than cardboard

Fits a range of legal documents inside

Standard sizing

You can buy more than one

You can choose the color you want

CONS

Expensive for only file storage

The files don’t stand up on their own inside it

The dividers don’t slide nicely

The lid is very heavy

8. Fellowes Bankers File Storage Box with Lift-Off Lid

No one enjoys the task of filing, but sometimes the ease of it can come down to having a quality file storage box. That’s where this 12-pack from Fellowes comes in.

When you purchase this 12-pack of bankers boxes from Fellowes, you benefit from large filing boxes that are suitable for all manner of legal and letter size documents. While they won’t win any awards for style, sometimes you only require a functional box that will stand the test of time – and this one is it.

All the boxes are double-walled, have a moderate stacking ability, and all come with lift-off lids as well. As a result, you don’t need to worry about facing an uphill battle of forcing the lid on or off. All the boxes are also white with plenty of room for labeling. Your workplace can become a place of organization in no time.

Sealing the deal is the price tag. For the price of one or two “pretty” file storage box options, you can get 12 robust, plain and hardy boxes that will prove useful for any business or home user.

FEATURES

Lift-off lid

12 x 10 x 15 inches

12-pack

White

Double wall

Moderate stacking

PROS

Affordable to buy

Robust cardboard that doesn’t buckle under pressure

Plenty of space for labeling

You get 12 in one purchase

You can repurpose them for use in Ikea units

The lids are separate, so you don’t rip or tear them trying to take them off

Suitable for legal or letter size files

CONS

They are drab and dull

You can sometimes get fewer than 12 boxes when you order them

Not as quick to assemble as other brands

7. Akro-Mils 12-Gallon Plastic Storage Hanging File Box

If you don’t trust a cardboard file storage box to be able to handle the immense weight of your files, then maybe you should select plastic. More specifically, set your sights on this hanging file box from Akro-Mils. It’s going to meet the mark in so many ways and is designed to handle the heaviest of documents.

It’s a 12-gallon plastic container, features an attached lid, and even has metal rails to hang your files. What’s more, it comes with molded eyelets, generous size of 21.5 x 12.5 inches, and with more than enough room for all your prized files.

While it’s more expensive than another similar file storage box type on the market, it’s still going to impress you with its longevity. Unlike cardboard file boxes, you can stack these up without them collapsing in on each other. All your documents also have far more protection than in a cardboard file storage box as well.

When you want to be able to move these, it’s a natural process too. The ergonomic handles are comfortable, durable, and will not give you any grief. Rather than invest in cardboard boxes, check out the many benefits of a plastic file storage box like this one from Akro-Mils.

FEATURES

Plastic construction

Attached lid

21.5 x 12.5 inches

Made in the USA

Blue color

Metal rails

Ergonomic handles

Molded eyelets

Stackable

PROS

It won’t buckle or crumble like cardboard

More secure than a cardboard box

You can stack them with ease

Generous size

Files sit up straight on the metal rails

They are from the USA as opposed to imported

CONS

Expensive file storage method

The lids are thin plastic and can buckle under other boxes on top

6. Bankers Box SmoothMove Classic Moving Boxes for Storing Files

Whether you’re moving house or you need convenient storage in your business, a file storage box from Bankers Box may be the answer. While not a “moving box” in the traditional sense, they meet the mark for getting your possessions from A to B safely or storing them discretely without showing what’s inside. In essence, this is a file storage box of many uses.

Its 15 x 12 x 10-inch size is also worthy of mention. While it’s not the biggest moving box or file storage box, it does mean that you can fill it up with heavy items and still carry it with ease. You can also make one purchase and receive 20 boxes, rather than make several purchases and have it be an inconvenience.

Then, when it comes to moving the boxes from A to B, it will be as easy as the process to pack them. Their double-wall construction coupled with the comfortable carry handles mean you will not have too many problems.

Finally, the precise area for labeling means that you will always know what’s in the boxes – even if other people don’t. It’s going to meet the mark for many people looking for a file storage box for their office or moving house.

FEATURES

15 x 12 x 10 inches

20-pack

Classic style

Carry handles

No tape

Lift-off lid

Double end and bottom construction

Flute Kraft construction

Label space

PROS

Generous area for labeling

Easy to carry

Very portable

Stackable

Affordable

20 in a pack, so you only have to make one purchase

The lids are easy to put on and take off

Private contents

CONS

Not that easy to put together for the first time

Some manufacturing errors with the box material splitting apart

5. STERILITE Portable File Box

Many people choose to purchase a file storage box to keep files safe and secure. In many cases, it’s also to keep them private and away from prying eyes. This file storage box from STERILITE is one of the best containers if you’re looking for one to be discrete, private, and to last the distance.

You can purchase it as either a single file storage box or as four, and with or without a removable lid. If you opt for the permanent lid, however, you will find that you may only be able to open it up to around 90 degrees. For convenient file storage, this is the file storage box to suit your needs well.

You can use it with most regular files, benefit from the hanging file design element, and know that thanks to its plastic construction, it won’t crumble like cardboard. Instead, you can stack it, carry it around, and it will handle the weight.

Keeping the files neatly and securely inside is the heavy-duty buckle latch. Instead of having a lid sitting on top that will come off quickly, this one takes a little more effort. If you need a discrete and robust file storage box, don’t look past this one from STERILITE.

FEATURES

One or four-pack

Removable or permanent lid

Suitable for regular size files

Buckle latch

Heavy-duty

Hanging folders

Plastic construction

PROS

Robust and solid

Very private

Easy to transport with carrying handle

You can choose to have a removable lid or a fixed one

Affordable to buy

Thick plastic construction

CONS

The lid only opens up to around 90 degrees

There are no locks

No secure features to keep people out of it

4. STORi Clear Plastic Hanging File Organizer

If you don’t need a file storage box for the storage of private and highly confidential documents, then this STORi plastic hanging file organizer could be the best storage solution for you. Because it’s plastic and transparent, you can see everything in it within a moment’s notice. Therefore, you can put it anywhere you want in your office with a quick glance telling you what you can expect to find.

While it’s not suitable for confidential documents, it meets the mark for all other occasions. You can use it in your hobby room, for business, or for home use as well. It’s a file storage box, but it’s also so much more. It features robust plastic to handle daily wear and tear, comfortable handles for transport from A to B, and it’s made right here in the USA too.

What’s more, its generous 14 x 7-inch construction makes it more than suitable for 8.5 x 11-inch documents on metal rails within. While these rails aren’t present in the purchase price, that can be convenient for those who didn’t want to use them anyway.

FEATURES

Transparent

Plastic

Handles

Made in the USA

8.5 x 11-inch files

Rails not included

14 x 7-inch construction

PROS

Sleek and contemporary design

Lightweight

Robust and strong

Suitable for a range of activities and files

You can use it with or without metal rails

CONS

It’s expensive

It doesn’t come with metal rails

You can see private documents inside it

3. IRIS Weathertight Clear File Storage Box

Many businesses choose to hire storage facilities to store their legal documents in a file storage box. As it’s a legal requirement to store business documents for seven years, you need to put them in something, right?

Unfortunately, the file storage box market is full of cardboard options that are affordable but not entirely durable. You need something that’s dust and watertight, you can stack, and is easy to transport. That’s where this IRIS weathertight file storage box comes in.

Whether you want to keep it on-site at your business or within a storage facility, this file storage box is everything you could need it to be and more. Your documents remain safe and secure, while you benefit from a more organized storage method.

They feature robust plastic, sealed buckles, and generous sizing options to suit your unique needs. You can then stack them on each other, label them, then forget about them until you need to use them again.

When it comes to choosing the perfect file storage box, you can’t do much better than this one from IRIS.

FEATURES

Weathertight

Legal and letter size documents

Tote seal

Maximum protection

Robust plastic

Stackable

Reinforced lid

Made in the USA

17.9x 14.5 x 10.8 inches

Various size options

PROS

You don’t have to worry about water leaking in

It’s secured tight

The buckles are strong

You can choose a size to suit your needs

The plastic is thick and robust

Your documents don’t get dusty

You can stack the containers without worrying about them crumbling

CONS

The plastic is transparent so you can see what’s inside

The clips don’t seal entirely

The hanging files come off the tracks easily

2. First Alert Steel Hanging Folder File Box

While a plastic or cardboard file storage box is suitable for non-confidential files, what about those private ones that you don’t want people to see? You can’t trust people not to have a look through your documents, so you need to do all you can to protect them – such as with this First Alert file storage box.

Featuring robust and high-quality steel with a powder-coated finish, this file storage box is the crème de la crème of storage boxes. Not only does it hang your letter-sized files inside it without bending them, but it does so while making sure no one else can access them.

This black file storage box also comes with a robust lock system, two included keys, and a carry handle to get it from A to B. While you can’t stack them that well, it’s a small price to pay for such a well-constructed box.

Sealing the deal is the knowledge that this box will far outlast any made from cardboard. While cardboard boxes are okay for everyday files, you will need to replace them after some years.

You will not have to do this with a steel file storage box. If you have private files you need to protect, check out this file storage box to suit your needs.

FEATURES

Steel construction

Powder-coated finish

Hanging files

Non-bending

Lock system

Two keys

Carry handle

Letter-sized files

PROS

Secure

You can lock it away from prying eyes

No one can tell what’s on it

It comes with two keys

It’s easy to carry

It’s very affordable

The latch is solid

Robust and strong box

CONS

You can’t stack it

The rails are too wide

The rings attached to the handle make it a challenge to get your hands under the handle

1. IRIS Desktop File Box

Instead of storing your files in plain cardboard boxes, why not upgrade to something sleeker and more modern such as these desktop file storage boxes from IRIS?

If you need your data to be close at hand, such as on your desk, then this is the file storage box for you. You can add hanging paperwork of legal size and keep them neat and orderly.

Alternatively, you can store this file storage box on its side and add binders and folders instead. Keep everything orderly and neat within this black, sleek storage box.

Unlike other storage boxes, this one is also made to be stylish as well as functional. It has built-in handles to add to the overall design, as well as being made right in the USA. Its black color also helps to hide dirt and grime which can build up over time.

When the time comes to upgrade to a file storage box that will tick all the boxes for loose documents and binders, set your sights on this one from IRIS.

FEATURES

Black

Four-pack

Large size

Letter size hanging files

7.8 x 13.3 x 9.8 inches

Built-in handles

Made in the USA

Suitable for books and binders

PROS

You can stand it on its end for storing books and binders rather than individual files

It’s a sleek design

Robust construction

The handles are built in for easier portability

It’s quite large

You get four for the price of what you would pay for one through another manufacturer

CONS

The edges are jagged and rough

They crack easily

Not as durable as they could be

Considerations for Purchasing a File Storage Box

It might seem relatively straightforward to go out and purchase a file storage box for home or office use. However, if you don’t do your due diligence, you may find yourself returning it or buying more because it’s not fit for purpose. A file storage box needs to meet many requirements, many of which we have included below.

Handles

Handles for a file storage box are relatively significant, even if you don’t plan on moving your boxes around too much. Whether you’re moving house, want to put files into storage, or have them stacked up in your office, having handles makes the process so much easier.

Some are built in, while others are attached. No matter the style, make sure they have them. File storage boxes without handles will be more trouble than they’re worth.

Stackable

Usually, if you are in the market for a file storage box, you require more than one. That’s why several manufacturers sell them in bulk lots instead of one each. If they don’t stack on top of each other – how are you going to store them correctly? The lids need to be sturdy and free of handles.

Privacy

If you are storing files as opposed to throwing them away, then they’re quite important. Would you want someone else reading them? A file storage box not only needs to be stackable and have handles, but it needs to be private. Opt for hanging file ones that hide files in between your dividers, or select boxes you can’t see through.

Material

The stronger the construction, the better. Cardboard is suitable for moving houses or short-term storage and plastic is better for files you intend on stacking. However, if you want your file storage box to last forever and be safe and secure from prying eyes, you can even get steel options for peace of mind.